Detroit air quality ranks second worst in world due to Canadian wildfires

Marina Johnson and Nour Rahal, Detroit Free Press
Updated ·2 min read
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As wildfires continue to destroy forests across Quebec and Ontario, parts of Michigan remain under an air quality alert until Wednesday night, according to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes, and Energy (EGLE).

Smoke from Canadian wildfires lingers in downtown Detroit skyline off of Woodward Avenue on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.
Smoke from Canadian wildfires lingers in downtown Detroit skyline off of Woodward Avenue on Tuesday, June 27, 2023.

The Upper Peninsula of Michigan has been experiencing deteriorating air quality as a result of the Canadian wildfires; the dense smoke has been making its way to the southern regions of the state as well.

On Tuesday, Detroit’s air quality ranked second worst in the world, according to IQAir’s Air Quality Index. Chicago ranked first with an air quality index of 178, falling in the unhealthy category. Detroit closely followed with 171 and then Beijing, and Baghdad, Iraq, fell in third and fourth.

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EGLE declared Wednesday as another air quality action day “for elevated levels of fine particulate (PM2.5) for southeast Michigan counties,” according to the National Weather Service. Residents are advised to "keep windows closed overnight to prevent smoke from getting indoors and, if possible, run central air conditioning with MERV-13 or higher rated filters."

Pollutant concentration levels have increased, creating unhealthy air quality conditions for the general public. Pollutants in the air are expected to create unhealthy conditions for sensitive groups, like those with respiratory or heart conditions, elderly and children. Sensitive groups are encouraged to limit prolonged or heavy outdoor exertion.

Affected counties:

  • Wayne

  • Macomb

  • Oakland

  • Washtenaw

  • Lenawee

  • Monroe

  • Lapeer

  • St. Clair

  • Livingston

  • Genesee

  • Shiawassee

  • Sanilac

  • Tuscola

  • Saginaw

  • Huron

  • Midland

  • Bay

NWS also advises residents to cut down or eliminate activities that contribute to air pollution, including burning wood indoors and outdoors.

For the latest air quality condition reports, go to the Michigan Department of Environment, Great Lakes and Energy monitoring dashboard.

This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Detroit air quality ranks second worst in world due to Canadian wildfires